NOAH SAYS THE KRUTSINGER BEEF INDUSTRY SCHOLARS PROGRAM PUSHED HIM TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND WORK BEYOND HIS LIMITS.
Hometown: Gibbon, Nebraska
Major: Grassland Systems and Animal Science
Minor(s): Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars
Anticipated date of graduation: May 2026
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and what drew you to the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program?
I decided to come to the University of Nebraska—Lincoln at a young age. Competing in various competitions through PASE, where I was introduced to the Animal Science Complex and East Campus as a whole. I was drawn to UNL as it was not only close to home, but I found interest in both the Animal Science and Grassland System programs. After my first semester, I was introduced to the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program by my advisor and saw it as another opportunity to enrich my college experience and to become a better advocate for the beef industry.
What has been your favorite experience in the Beef Scholars program so far?
My favorite experience of the program has been the study tour. Seeing different aspects of the industry in areas outside of my operation was fascinating.
How has the Beef Scholars program helped you prepare for a career in the beef industry?
Being pushed to think outside the box and having my thinking challenged has been one of the most rewarding experiences throughout the whole of the program to help me prepare for a career in the beef industry. Being pushed past my limits to stretch our abilities has shown me that I can indeed succeed in the face of challenge.
What has been your favorite class or learning opportunity connected to beef, and why?
The beef industry practicum class comes to my mind. This class applied real-world scenarios and figured important calculations for profitability. With many factors involved, there was more than one way to think about each scenario, which allowed us to be creative.
Can you share a memorable activity, trip, or connection from Beef Scholars (e.g., tours, industry visits, networking)?
One of the most memorable visits through Beef Scholars was attending the Beef Summit my freshman year and having the opportunity to network with a variety of professionals such as Craig Uden and Jeff Rudolph.
What are your plans post-graduation, and how do you see the Beef Scholars program playing a role in your future?
After graduation, I plan to return home to the family cow/calf and row crop operation to build and improve upon it. I also have aspirations to start a custom beef processing business on the side. From learning how to determine profitability of a venture to being pushed past my limits, the Beef Scholars program has taught me to be confident in my decisions, even if I am unsure of the outcome.
Outside of school and Beef Scholars, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoyed my time on the Livestock and Meats Judging teams. At home, I enjoy modifying and doing mechanical work on my two Jeeps.
What scholarships or support have you received that have helped you during your time at UNL?
The two most notable scholarships I have received are the Susan Buffett Scholarship and the David Distinguished Scholar award. Beyond that, I have received many smaller scholarships from CASNR, the Animal Science Department and the Department of Grassland Studies, among other organizations.
